[Sports] Recreational games using a ball [Play]
Here are a variety of ball-based recreational activities.
We’ve gathered ball games that can be enjoyed by everyone—from children to seniors!
From sports aiming for the pinnacle at the Olympics or World Cup to simple time-killers, the variety of sports and games that use a “ball” is practically limitless.
Many people love ball games regardless of age or gender!
If you’re looking for “ball-based activities everyone can play together,” be sure to use this as a reference.
You might even use these games as inspiration to invent your own original new ball sport!
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[Sports] Recreational Games Using a Ball [Play] (51–60)
Flappy Ball Carrying Relay
Here’s an arranged version of a relay where you carry a ball using a uchiwa fan.
The rules are very simple: you fan a colored ball with the uchiwa and carry it to the goal.
Because colored balls are light, they don’t always go in the direction you expect.
It helps build concentration, and it’s fun for the whole team to celebrate when the ball makes it into the goal.
You might also try mixing in balls other than colored balls.
It’s a great idea to get creative and incorporate it into your sports day events!
1v1 ball carrying
Enjoyable even 1-on-1! Let us introduce an adapted ball-carrying game called “Flag Football.” In this sport, you carry the ball into the opponent’s territory.
The defense stops the advancing offense by pulling the flag attached to the ball carrier or by driving them out of bounds.
A standard game lasts about 20 minutes, but it’s also a good idea to adjust the duration based on the number of players.
The rules are simple, so everyone from kids to adults can enjoy it.
Try adapting it as an event for your sports day, too!
Ball Carrying UNO
Here’s an idea for adapting the well-known board game UNO into a ball-carrying relay.
Form teams in circles, with each person holding a ball.
Choose someone to give commands, and everyone passes or moves the balls according to the commands—like “skip” or “one bounce.” The rules are simple, but you can make it more exciting by increasing the speed of the commands and enjoying the sense of achievement as a team.
For team competitions, you can create original rules, such as declaring the team that doesn’t drop the ball until the end the winner, to make it even more fun.
It’s also a great recommendation for sports day events.
Ball Carry Tag
Here’s an adapted version of “tag” with ball carrying.
The rules are very simple! Wearing a flag, teams start at the starting line and try to carry as many balls as possible to the goal within the time limit.
There are taggers (oni) in between, so be careful not to let them take your flag.
If a tagger takes your flag, reattach the flag placed by the tagger and return to the start to try again.
It’s also a team game where you aim to transport all the balls without getting caught.
It’s fun to come up with strategies, like having someone act as a decoy.
We also recommend switching between the carrying team and the tagger team and using this as an event in a sports day.
Giant Ball Toss Relay
Jumbo beach balls are perfect for sports days and events! In this video, they’re competing to see how many times they can toss the ball, but you can also adapt it into a game where you carry the ball to a goal.
Because the ball is so large, it looks fun and is easy to move.
The best part is that everyone can play together—from kids to adults.
With a little creativity, you can come up with all kinds of games, so it’s fun to brainstorm ideas and design your own.
Moving your body naturally brings out smiles.
Be sure to try using a jumbo beach ball at your next event!
Aim for the goal while moving multiple balls!
Move multiple balls to reach the goal! Here’s a variation of a ball-carry relay that’s perfect for building endurance.
Split into teams, and one by one, transfer all the balls into the arranged hoops.
You can adjust the number and layout of the hoops to match your team size, and try different goal positions and shapes for extra fun.
It’s also great for boosting team spirit.
Give it a try and creatively incorporate it into your sports day events!
Safe baseball
Let’s play using soft materials! Here’s a safe baseball idea.
When you think of baseball, you probably imagine wooden or metal bats and cork-filled balls.
But when playing with preschoolers or kids who aren’t familiar with baseball, how about enjoying the game with soft equipment? Use a pool noodle cut in half as the bat, and a ball made by crumpling newspaper.
Give it a try!
Indoor basketball hoop craft
Let’s play with a handmade basketball set! Here are some ideas for crafting an indoor basketball hoop.
After watching Olympic basketball, many kids probably started admiring the players, right? This time, let’s try making an indoor basketball game you can build and play with.
You’ll need two hangers, yarn, cardboard, scissors, and more.
It’s great because the steps are simple.
This is also a recommended idea for when you want to get moving indoors!
Gateball
Gateball, often seen in parks, isn’t just for seniors—it’s actually popular with young people too! Played between two teams of five, the game begins by passing a ball through a gate.
But it’s not just about moving the ball; you also need smart strategies, like advancing your team’s balls advantageously and blocking the opponent’s.
It looks simple, but you only understand its appeal once you play.
As a recreational sport that anyone can join, gateball is one we’d love to see more people take up.
Ball Rolling Relay
Ball-rolling relays are also ideal for exercising your legs and lower back.
The rules are simple: aim for the goal while weaving through multiple cones set up in a zigzag pattern.
However, you must roll the ball—you can’t hold it or dribble it.
This means you need to control the ball quickly while keeping a half-squat posture.
It’s more strenuous than it looks, so be sure to stretch well before you try it.
The smaller the ball, the harder it is to roll.
